Muscat, May 11 — Oman's national fencing team departed the Sultanate this morning for the State of Qatar, to take part in the fencing competition of the 4th GCC Games, hosted by Doha from May 13 to 15, alongside the national teams of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

A continued rise for Omani fencing

The Sultanate's participation in this Gulf event comes within the framework of the Oman Fencing Committee's plan to develop the national fencing programme and to provide its athletes with regular regional, Arab and continental competition exposure. It builds on a 2025 season that produced 68 international medals across six championships, the most decorated season in the committee's history since its establishment in 2019, including 36 medals at the West Asia Championship in the Kingdom of Bahrain, medals at the Islamic Solidarity Games hosted by Riyadh, and a podium showing at the Asian Junior and Cadet Championship.

Captain Karshood on preparation and partnership

Captain Hisham Karshood, head coach of the national team and chairman of the technical committee at the Oman Fencing Committee, said that the team has prepared for this championship through an intensive training programme over recent weeks at the Rustaq Athletics Preparation Centres, and that the squad enters the Gulf event with confidence in their readiness, after the steady progress shown by Omani fencers across regional and continental competitions over the past two seasons. He extended his thanks to the Oman Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and the committee's strategic partner Sohar International for the continued support that has enabled the national programme to reach this stage.

Technical and administrative staff

The technical and administrative staff of the national team is led by Captain Hisham Karshood, assisted by Coach Abdul Rahman Adel. Badr Al Shuaibi serves as delegation officer, while Omar Al Harthi represents the Sultanate on the international officiating panel for the championship.

The team

The team is composed of four male fencers and one female fencer. Israa Al Siyabi carries the women's flag for the Sultanate after a standout 2025 season that included two gold medals and a silver at the West Asia Championship in Bahrain. She is joined by Said Al Shuaibi, Ahmed Keskes, Ali Al Busaidi, and Al Harith Al Harthi, four of the country's most consistent senior performers across the sabre, foil and épée weapons, each with podium honours across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Closing wishes

The Oman Fencing Committee extended its best wishes to the national team for a distinguished showing that befits Omani sport in this Gulf championship. The committee also expressed its appreciation to Sohar International for its continued partnership and ongoing support of Omani fencing, a partnership it described as a model of effective cooperation between the sporting sector and the national private sector.